Sana's Heart Surgery

Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Visiting Sana At Home In Iraq
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When I found out I would have an opportunity to visit Iraq and meet with some of our healed patients, I was hoping that I could see Sana again. She left Israel last summer during the time I was in the US after my mother's death, therefore we didn't get to say goodbye to one another. I was thrilled to hear that she and her family would be able to come and visit one afternoon since the city where they live is still too volatile for me to visit. It was a blessing to see her looking so good, and so obviously full of joy.

Adding to the delightful day was her opportunity to see her friends Lozan and Kucher who also came to Rambam Medical Center and completed their heart treatment during the long period of Sana's hospitalization. (Click below to watch a video clip of the girls laughing and swinging.)

Sana is much stronger than when I last saw her in Haifa, and is fully engaged in enjoying life. She was running about with her friends in the yard playing silly games with them, and usually taking the lead in the action. From time to time she would come into the room with the adults and give a hug to her father or ask a question of her mother.

Both of them were expressing their deepest thanks for the help they've received to save Sana's life. Sana's father seemed determined to find some way to extend a special thank you to us, and eventually went out to a nearby sweets shop and purchased a very big box of delicious candy for us, as well as one for me to bring back to Haifa for their special friend Lamis.

Since Sana's heart treatment is not yet completed, part of our discussion covered when she might return for the rest of her heart repair. I could see as we visited that Sana's mother still carries a weight of concern for Sana's condition which won't be removed until she is declared healthy after her final surgery. Sana's parents watch their daughter with adoration tinged with anxiety, and gratefulness colored by a longing for full health for Sana. We hope soon to find out a target date for Sana's next surgery in Haifa.

We're thankful to God and rejoice in the life we saw in Sana during our recent visit with her. Please join us in thanks, and in prayer for her next surgery to be scheduled according to God's perfect plan. May Sana and her parents and sister be encouraged by our Lord through our prayers as they wait.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Sana Finally Healthy Enough to Return Home
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We knew from the beginning that it would be a long, tough road and that it would take time. Other hospitals rejected Sana’s application for surgery outright due to the complexity of her congenital structural heart defects. A complete repair, which can typically be done with tetralogy of fallot was not possible in her case. Instead a partial repair and reconstruction of the missing blood vessels between the heart and the lungs was the only possible solution.

Sana underwent the Glenn procedure, which means that her aortal-pulmonary collateral from the descending aorta to the right lung was occluded. She also underwent a double Glenn procedure. After these complex procedures she developed an infection and a large amount (almost 1 ½ liter) of fluid around the heart had to be drained. She battled these infections for several months, was in and out of ICU several times, and was put on a strict diet to determine the cause of the frequent infections.

Sana's mom seems somewhat somber. She said that she had expected more from the procedures. Still, she is content and thankful for the help they received, which nobody else in the world offered to them.

We know that all that was humanly possible was done and we want to continue to lift her up before our heavenly father for continued healing.

Sana and her mother had really begun to feel at home in Haifa. Now they are returning home leaving behind friends and people who cared for them.

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Friday, May 23, 2008
Food at Last!
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Sana was a much happier child when we saw her today. The doctors have approved her to eat at least some things as well as the formula that she has been on for months. Sana and her mother are the only ones in the apartment now so it is quiet and much slower today. Sana will be going back to hospital on Sunday for another check-up and if things have continued to improve her diet may be expanded to include more of a variety of foods.

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Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Sana's Good Friend Leaves
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Yesterday Sana was busy playing games on mom's cell phone and singing along with many of the Arabic songs that were playing on the radio today. A number of times I challenged her to get up and dance, but she didn't take the bait. Sana is looking good and we are praying the Lord would do a supernatural work in Sana's body and bring total healing in Yeshua's name.

Today Sana was very sad and in some ways distancing herself from all the visitors as Kucher was preparing to return home to Iraq. Sana and Kucher were obvious good friends and now Sana remains the only child left in the Haifa apartment with her mom. She insisted her picture not be taken and just turned her attention to doing her puzzle.

Please pray for Sana's recovery, physically and emotionally. Sana has another day of tests scheduled for Sunday and we continue to believe the doctors will have a good report of healing.

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Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Liquid Formula Not Available
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Sana was doing very well today when we visited the apartment. Even though she does not like eating the liquid formula she has been on, today that was not an issue on her mind.

Please keep Sana in your prayers as this special formula she has been using as her source of nutrition has run out, and it appears none is available from the distributor either. We pray the Lord brings complete healing and this formula will no longer be needed.

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Sunday, April 20, 2008
From the Zoo to the Beach
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Sana, Kale and Kucher were all anxious to get out of the apartment, so off we went, first to the zoo. This proved to involve too much walking for Sana, who is still weak as she is again on a liquid diet due to her condition.

So from there we went to the beach, where everyone at least got their feet wet and the kids were picking up shells and building little sand castles.

All three of the moms were feeling embarrassed about the way the other girls on the beach were dressed immodestly in bikinis. I tend to agree!

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Sunday, April 13, 2008
Infection Treated Aggressively in ICU
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Sana has been moved into I.C.U. so that her current infection can be dealt with more aggressively. When we arrived, nurses were tending to her and we did not get a chance to see Sana today. The nurse said Sana will most likely remain in I.C.U. for the next couple of days.

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Sana is finally returning home after more than seven months in the hospital. She and her mom saw many other patients come and go and it was very hard for them to have to stay on and wait for Sana`s health to improve. We knew from the beginning that it would be a long, tough road and that it would take time. Other hospitals rejected Sana’s application for surgery outright due to the complexity of her congenital structural heart defects. A complete repair, which can typically be done with tetralogy of fallot was not possible in her case. Instead a partial repair and reconstruction of the missing blood vessels between the heart and the lungs was the only possible solution.

She underwent the Glenn procedure, which means that her aortal-pulmonary collateral from the descending aorta to the right lung was occluded. She also underwent a double Glenn procedure. After these complex procedures she developed an infection and a large amount (almost 1 ½ liter) of fluid around the heart had to be drained. She battled these infections for several months, was in and out of ICU several times, and was put on a strict diet to determine the cause of the frequent infections.

Sana`s health has now somewhat stabilized and she can go home. She has to abstain from foods containing fat and oil and her meat intake is also restricted to chicken. She is expected to return again for a further surgical procedure after one year. Sana is very happy to be able to go home, she is bubbling with ideas and is very much looking forward to seeing her family and friends back home. Sana´s mom seems somewhat somber and she said that she had expected more from the procedures. Still, she is content and thankful for the help they received, which nobody offered to them anywhere else in the world. We know that all that was humanly possible was done and we want to continue to lift her up before our heavenly father for continued healing.

In returning home they are leaving behind friends and people who cared for them, and they had really begun to feel at home in Haifa.

nfection that will require an I.V. drip.

Sana was not interested in looking at the camera today and wasn't really feeling well, even though she was up and about in the children's ward.

This is a setback, but we are believing it will be short.

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Thursday, April 3, 2008
Celebrating in the Sun
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It is amazing how this little lady has survived all these weeks on milk only (monagen). She is very brave and she knows how to keep the doctor's orders. She is missing food and sweets, but she knows that these tasty things are forbidden for her.

My family is enjoying having Sana and her mom in our home. Every two days Sana has to go to the hospital for a blood test, and wait for the results to see if she can leave or if she has to stay in hospital.

Today was a special day because they told her she doesn't have to come back to the hospital until next week. So we went out and celebrated in the beautiful sun. We drove to the beach, and then rode a cable car from the beach to Stella Maris, at the top of the mountain.

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Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Excited To Leave Hospital
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Sana was excited today as she prepared to leave the hospital now that her infection is under control.

She will be staying with a local Arab believer in Haifa as she continues to improve.

On Thursday Sana will return to hospital for another check up.

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Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Modeling Her Masks
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Sana was all smiles this afternoon as she entered the waiting room with her mask on. Sana has very much been enjoying the Purim activities, which is good as it helps keep her mind off the infection she's been fighting. (Purim is the Jewish holiday which celebrates the story of Esther.)

Yesterday Sana was in the process of eating her liquid diet and at the same time was modeling her Purim mask for us.

Sana liked the different costumes when she visited the market two weeks ago...

...and is getting ready for Purim which is only a couple of days away.

Sana's most recent echo showed she had a small amount of fluid accumulation around the heart, and she is being treated for that.

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Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Back in the Hospital
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Sana was readmitted to hospital again today and was put on an intravenous drip. Sana was in good spirits and was smiling.

She did complain of pain in her right shoulder, and mom was looking a little discouraged.

Please join us in prayer for both Sana and her mother.

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Friday, March 7, 2008
A Restful Game of Dominoes
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Now that Sana is finally out of the hospital, she is resting in an apartment being supplied by a local Arab congregation in Haifa. (Sana's blood test results were not satisfactory at the time of the previous blog, so she had to stay in the hospital a few more days.)

Today her mother was telling us Sana still has some minor aches and pains but is doing well. Sana will be visiting the hospital twice a week to continue monitoring her blood, which still needs the healing touch of the Lord.

I had such a good time with Sana this afternoon playing dominoes and I see the great work the Lord is doing in her body. Please join us in prayer believing the Lord will finish what He has begun...

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Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Sana Released from Hospital
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Sana was just coming out of the bath when Linda and I arrived today. She was bright, smiley and very happy. That is when I found out she was awaiting blood test results and then being released from hospital today. It has been seven, long, hard weeks in hospital and this time out will be much appreciated I am sure.

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Friday, February 22, 2008
Sana's Artwork on Display
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I sing praises to your name, O Lord, praises to your name, O Lord... This is the song that rose up in my spirit today when I walked into Sana's hospital room. It had been a couple of weeks since I last saw Sana, and that was in ICU because of some serious blood clots. But today Sana was smiling and had just had her hair washed. She was looking like a normal nine-year-old. We watched as Sana got out of bed and brushed her teeth at the sink after

combing her hair. What a breath of fresh air to see the amazing work the Lord has been doing in this child.

And then for the whipped cream on top of that: seeing Sana's mom and a Jewish nurse embrace and kiss each other on the cheeks. I said, "Lord, truly you are doing a deep work of reconciliation." To see such sincere caring for one another between Sana's mother and the duty nurse delivering lunch, was further testimony of the loving God that I serve.

The photograph at the right is one example of Sana's artwork. It is now on display in the lobby of her ward in the hospital.

Sana needs prayer for some open wounds that still need to be healed and closed up. And that the Lord would finish the work of healing this child.

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Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Sana Is Eating Again
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What blessed news we got today... Sana can start eating regular food again! Meat and fat are still forbidden, but Sana is thoroughly enjoying every bite from the foods she's allowed to eat.

She is now without any tubes, and she can move freely. We pushed her in her wheelchair to the hospital mall. We noticed some changes there since her last visit to the mall six weeks ago!

Our God is an awesome God. We are praising Him for answering his children's prayers.

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Thursday, February 14, 2008
Sana Shines Again
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Yes Sana shines again with her beautiful smile. As soon as I reached her hospital room she welcomed me with a big smile, saying "I am feeling well, I'm happy, and feeling much better."

It was a great afternoon with her, me and sisters from my church spending time with them chatting and reading the story of the woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years , and before we left Sana we all prayed thanking God for his mercy and love.

We also prayed for Karim, the new patient who has his catheterization today and he feels good staying in the same room with Sana. In the end a sweet lady came and shared us a beautiful hymns with her guitar.

Yes brothers & sisters our God listens to our prayers. He is the only one who can change everything. Please continue praying for Sana and her mother.

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Sunday, February 3, 2008
Now Stable
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Sana is now stable, but doctors are waiting for a sign of improvement.

Tonight I prayed with Sana and her mother. It touched my heart to see Sana's tears after we finished praying.

The staff in the ICU provided her with a laptop. We enjoyed playing games.

A prayer group called Arabs For Jesus is holding Sana in their prayers here every day.

Thank you too--my brothers and sisters--for your prayers, and thanks to those who have sent words of love, encouragement, comfort and joy to Sana and her mother. They were so happy to see all these people praying for them.

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Thursday, January 31, 2008
Pulmonary Thrombosis
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I am asking for your intensive prayers for Sana tonight. She is in a very serious situation--pulmonary thrombosis. Today Sana's mother asked to pray together with me, saying that she feels peace, calm and comfort after prayer. Sana's mother and I held hands and prayed for healing in the name of Jesus. Please join us in bringing the same prayer to the Lord.

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Sunday, January 27, 2008
Seashell Necklace
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Sana is definitely improving a lot, and today both she and her mother were smiling. When Lara and her mom came in to visit, Sana began to sing a song in Kurdish to Lara, and Lara responded by doing a bit of a dance in her mother's arms. And yesterday Sana even went for a walk on the beach, collecting some shells along her journey on the beach. Lamis helped her make a necklace from the shells.

Doctors are much more positive about her improvement and are hoping the fluid build-up in her chest cavity will be fully drained soon. Then they can begin to make plans for further treatment.

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Thursday, January 24, 2008
Slow Improvement in Body and Spirit
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Sana was looking much better today and even cracked a smile for us a few times. She is no longer being fed through her nose, but intravenously. Her mother showed us some excellent drawings that Sana has been working on, but she's been sensitive about her appearance due to the nasal tube and refused to let us take her picture or even a picture of her drawings. (The picture above was somehow obtained yesterday by Pastor Philip Sa'ad).

We ask that you would continue to hold up Sana and her mom in prayer. Pray for joy both in her mom and for Sana as well.

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Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Sana Living Off a Syringe, and Struggling
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Sana is improving day by day as fluid continues draining from her lungs. But she's not happy! She's still not eating regular food, but on a milk only diet, which she hates. Tonight the medical staff gave her a new variety, which Sana says has a very bad taste. She was crying and said she doesn't want it, and her mother wanted to go look for a different formula outside the hospital; but I convinced her to take a little bit from her mother's hand, pictured above. All this is hard on Sana's mother too, and I prayed with her tonight.

I've brought a book about the prophets to Sana, and she says she loves the stories about Issa (Jesus). I believe a seed is growing and God can make it better.

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Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Hard To Get A Smile
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It was hard to get a smile out of Sana today. Her mother said she is upset because the hospital has put her on a fast, and she wants to eat. The doctor confirmed that the fluids surrounding her lungs were successfully drained. This allowed her to leave ICU and enter the children's ward. Dr. Lorber said her oxygen level is still too low, and that it may be necessary to do another surgery to correct the problem.

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Sunday, January 13, 2008
Hospitalized Due to Fluid in Lungs
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Sana went to the hospital for a check-up today, and doctors were concerned with her condition. There were signs of accumulation of fluid in her lungs. Sana is now in ICU till she stabilises.

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Monday, January 7, 2008
Artistic and Inquisitive
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I was thankful to have the opportunity to return to Haifa today to visit with Sana after her dismissal from the hospital yesterday. I find it hard not to be able to visit all of the patients I have escorted from Jordan, but it has been best for me to be in Jerusalem and at Wolfson near Tel Aviv the last few weeks to visit and help patients here while Lamis and other brothers and sisters help the families at Rambam in Haifa. Yet because I will go to the US next week to welcome a new grandson and enjoy family time there, I set aside today for a Haifa trip. I could not leave these children and mothers without another visit and chance to thank God for what He has already done, and will yet do for their children because of His great love for them all.

Sana and her mother have been staying in an apartment since Sana's dismissal from the hospital yesterday. Sana answered the door, with her mother close behind. I loved seeing Sana's beautiful smile again, though she is still fragile as she builds strength again after her surgery. We all knew her case was very difficult, and that two surgeries were expected. At this time, the doctors have told her mother that it could be two more weeks before she will be ready for that second procedure. Even though she is still a bit weak, Sana had her inquisitive and artistic gears

engaged, participating in all the action of the visit. She wanted everything we talked about translated into Kurdish for her. She loves to draw, and as she and Jane took turns making pictures, she wanted to label them - in English! She is a very bright girl besides being a good artist. Her face really lit up when she received a call from her uncle.

I was thankful to see that her mother seems more hopeful than the last time I was with them. Now that Sana has had her first surgery, some of the heaviness on her mother seems to have lifted. She still wonders about the timing and outcome of the second surgery, but also talks of returning home when Sana is ok. Sana's mom had prepared some food earlier today, which she insisted we share with her before we had to go to the bus station. We all enjoyed the Iraqi food as we visited and ate together. Soon enough it was time to hurry to the bus station to return to Jerusalem, so again I assured Sana's mother that it was the love of God which brought them here to us, for He loves them very much, and is making a way for Sana to be helped. As before, she looked intently at me as though this was continuing to sink into the depths of her understanding. I told her I would be praying for them even while I was away, and that if they were still here when I returned, I would visit them again. Before I could say more, she said she knew I would not forget them... and this was a blessing to hear. It is my prayer that she will come to understand that I do not forget them, because God does not forget them. Please pray for Sana to continue to heal and become strong enough for her second surgery. Pray for wisdom and perfect timing for the doctors as they work to know when to schedule her again. Pray for courage, patience and hope to fill the heart of her mother, as well as Sana's father and sister at home. May God continue to be glorified as His love permeates the lives of this family.

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Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Sana May Need A Second Surgery
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Today our little daughter Abigail had a chance to visit with Sana. I am always amazed how quickly children bond.

Sana's oxygen levels are still quite low. The doctors suspect she will need another surgery, perhaps in a few weeks. They also suspect that she has fluid in her lungs, which could contribute to the low levels of oxygen. Sana's mother is quite nervous and needs your prayers.

Blessings from Haifa.

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Sunday, December 30, 2007
Doctors Happy With Sana's Improvement
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All tubes have been removed from Sana's body, and she is able to walk around slowly. She is doing well and feeling well. Despite missing her father very much, Sana started to smile again today, for the first time since her surgery on Wednesday.

The doctors are happy with Sana's improvement. Sana will probably be released from the hospital in just a few days.

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Thursday, December 27, 2007
Photos from Surgery Day
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Yesterday I prayed with Sana before she went into surgery at 4:00 p.m. I gave my camera to the doctors, and they took a few pictures inside the operating room.

Sana's surgery ended at 6:00 p.m. yesterday. Once she was stabilized, she was moved into intensive care.

There were no complications--everything was perfect. Her blood pressure was very good. It was a "clean" surgery, with no bleeding. When I visited Sana last night, I saw her moving and beginning to wake up. But she was given medication to keep her sleeping and to keep her from feeling pain. Sana's mother feels peace now, and she agreed to eat.

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Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Surgery Completed This Evening
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As of 7:30 p.m., Sana has come out of surgery and I am waiting outside the ICU to be able to see her. She cried all day from hunger, having had to fast from 4:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The surgery itself lasted two hours. I look forward to seeing Sana in a few minutes, and sending you photos when I get home from the hospital.

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Sunday, December 23, 2007
Red Throat, Slight Fever
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Sana was released from the hospital yesterday morning. Today she seemed sick, so I took her back to the hospital.

They found that she has a red throat and a slight fever, but she was allowed to return to the apartment to continue recovering from her catheterization.

If she feels better in the next few days, she will have her heart surgery this Wednesday.

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Thursday, December 20, 2007
Staying Still After Today's Catheterization
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I spoke with Lamis (our friend in Haifa) on the telephone this evening. Lamis has been with Sana and her mother at the hospital throughout this very rainy day. She told me that Sana had her catheterization today as scheduled, and that Sana has been crying quite a bit--it's hard for her to stay still. She's not supposed to move her leg, otherwise bleeding could result.

It is possible that Sana will be released from the hospital tomorrow if everything looks okay, returning to the hospital when it's time for her heart surgery.

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Monday
December 17, 2007
First Visit to the Sea
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We had a very good day in Haifa today. Sana had a lifetime dream come true when she got to see the ocean. Lamis (our friend from Haifa) and I decided that we would try to take Sana out this morning.

The joy for Sana and gratitude from her mother was tangible as Sana's mother shared that Sana has always hoped to see the ocean. While we waited for our friend Lamis to park, Sana could not resist going down to the water. It is always one of my favorite events with our patients when they get to experience the wonder of an ocean's size and beauty for the first time.

Even though the water was a little chilly, Sana's mom let her take off her shoes and wade into the surf a bit since we'd already gotten splashed by one of those waves you don't expect to come quite so far in. It was great fun for all of us! We ended the outing by stopping for ice cream as we walked back to the car to return to the hospital.

Sana will be going in for pre-op testing Tuesday morning to be prepared for her catheterization on Thursday.

There was one more event which Sana found very exciting today. Just as we were preparing to get on the elevator to leave the hospital, out stepped a man dressed as a Santa delivering toys to the children's ward. The children wanted to have their picture taken with him, so we obliged.

Please pray for Sana and her mother. Sana has a particularly difficult surgery with a long recuperation period expected.

Pray that the believers in Haifa will come alongside this precious family to minister His lovingkindness to them. And thank God with us for His ability and desire to heal these children's hearts and use His children in ways that are a blessing as He works through them.

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